Speaker Romualdez: Arnie Teves refuses to return home at this time

Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves is refusing to come home as he express fears over his safety and that of his family, Speaker Martin Romualdez said on Tuesday.

Teves is being linked to the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and several others.

“Cong Arnie Teves got in touch with me through a phone call last night from an undetermined location," Romualdez said.

"He expressed fear for the safety of his person and his family, saying this is the reason why he refuses to return home at this time,” he added.

Armed men in military gear attacked Degamo's residence while he was distributing aid to some constituents. The incident left eight others dead and 17 wounded.

Four counts of murder complaints have also been filed before the Department- of Justice against Teves over killings committed in 2019.

“I assured him that the Speaker, as the political and administrative leader of the House of Representatives, will exert all efforts to ensure the personal safety of all Members," Romualdez said.

"I have ordered the House Sergeant-at-Arms to coordinate with law enforcement agencies and prepare appropriate security arrangements for his return,” he added.

Romualdez renewed his call on Teves to go home and face the complaints against him.

“He needs to go home and report for work immediately as he no longer has the authority to travel outside the country,” Romualdez said. —NB, GMA Integrated News